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The pun-filled Phantom Tollbooth turns 50 this year. Author Norton Juster takes questions from young readers about the story of Milo, a bored little boy who finds adventure in a very strange land full of riddles and wordplay.

Across debt-ridden Greece, people are turning to a simpler form of commerce, using both formal and informal systems of bartering as a means to make ends meet. In places such as the fishing village of Volos, swapping goods and services is also fostering a new sense of community.

NPR's Neal Conan reads from listener comments on previous show topics including the teachers we have always wanted to thank, and the people listeners missed at their Thanksgiving dinner tables in 2011.

A NATO airstrike killed at least 24 Pakistani soldiers. Afghan officials claim NATO and Afghan forces were responding to gunfire when NATO helicopters and fighter jets fired on Pakistani Army bases. Pakistani military officials say they are rethinking their relationship with the U.S.

The fair trade movement, which pays premiums to farmers in developing countries for meeting social and environmental standards, is growing quickly and contentiously. The nation's largest fair trade certifying agency has split from its international partner, hoping to expand the program to plantation-grown coffee. Some coffee sellers say the agency is just lowering standards to benefit corporate coffee companies.

Elvis Costello's box set includes three CDs, a vinyl record and a coffee table book. To get all this, however, you are asked to pay $225. Costello seems to be shocked. On a website, he declares, "we are unable to recommend this lovely item as the price appears to be either a misprint or a satire."

More than 200 protesters were arrested early today in Los Angeles. In Philadelphia, about 40 have been arrested so far. In both cities, police used overwhelming numbers to control the situation and few clashes or injuries have been reported.

By adding "liquidity" to the world's markets, the central banks aim to keep credit flowing.

The Federal Reserve and other central banks joined to make it easier for banks to lend — a bid to ease the financial crisis in Europe. Also: Great Britain tells Iranian diplomats to pack up.

Arizona gun enthusiasts can pose, with their weapons, for a holiday snapshot with Santa. They say they're just showing off their love of firearms. A local legislator says it's heresy.